Much has been stated in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However does the internet adaptation of this traditional game offer a escape, or will it not compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an ancient game usually played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo halls in place of the discos on a weekend. All this is about to change with the enforcement of the anti smoking law around Britain.
No more will players be permitted to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most common locations where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t cast aside this age old game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can bet on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and cig and in the end, enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on online could never replace the communal aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.